Classical pianists and thrash metal guitarists are all up for a chance to win the Melbourne Prize for Music in 2013.
Entries for the valuable music prize are now open and all genres of music are eligible. Running once every three years since 2001, the Melbourne Prize for Music is divided into three categories and awards over $100,000 to musicians.
A $60,000 Melbourne Prize for Music will be presented to a Victorian musician or group of musicians that has made an outstanding contribution to Australian music and enriched cultural and public life. This prize is supported by The Vera Moore Foundation, The Tallis Foundation and the Melbourne Prize Trust.
A $30,000 Outstanding Musicians Award plus $2,500 of Qantas International travel will be presented to a Victorian musician or group of musicians who has created a recent work of outstanding creativity and skill. This prize is supported by Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE.
A $13,000 Development Award, supported by Yamaha Music Australia, will be presented to an emerging musician or group of musicians aged 30 years and under with outstanding musical talent and potential.
There will be a new $4,000 Civic Choice Award, supported by Readings, and given to the finalist with the highest number of votes. An online voting form will be available at www.melbourneprize.org from 4 September to 22 November after finalists are announced. One lucky voter will win an overnight stay at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, providing an additional incentive to get involved.
Melbourne Prize Executive Director, Mr Simon Warrender, says, ‘Victoria is renowned for its vibrant music sector and the Melbourne Prize for Music 2013 and awards will recognise and reward excellence and talent across all music genres.’
Warrender believes the prizes offer local musicians considerable opportunities and helps promote the local music industry. ‘We are delighted to support the local music sector, which adds to our community in so many ways. The prize this year has been made possible by the support and generosity of our partners and patrons, all of whom understand the importance of fostering our creative resources.’
Kate Cebrano, singer songwriter and Artistic Director of the Adelaide Cabaret festival, will join music professionals Professor Barry Conyngham, Paul Grabowsky, Huw Humpheries and Chong Lim to complete the professional judging panel. Grabowsky, pianist, composer, conductor and director, was the 2007 recipient of the Melbourne Prize for Music.
Finalists will be announced on 4 September 2013 with winners announced on 13 November 2013. The Civic Choice Award winner will be announced on 29 November.
Entries are open now until 16 July with entry forms available from www.melbourneprize.org
There will be a free exhibition of finalists at Federation Square between 8 and 22 November.
